Noticeable Progress for Islamic Movement in Mauritanian Elections

Initial results of the legislative and municipal elections held in Mauritania, on Sunday Nov. 19, showed a considerable progress for the candidates of the Islamic movement, especially in the capital, Nouakchott; also, the Islamic movement’s win in four municipalities was confirmed.
The elections witnessed a high turnout in a way exceeding all past election processes, something observers attributed to being the first elections held after the coup that toppled president Maaoya Sid’Ahmed Ould Taya, in August 2005; the coup leaders vowed to make a democratic shift in the country within two years after the coup, including holding these elections.